Sunday of Divine Mercy
When a child does something wrong, and they know that they have done something wrong, what does the child do? They go and hide. Why does a child hide? Because the child knows what they did was wrong and they are scared of getting punished and being embarrassed because they’ve been caught red handed. They hide because of the punishment that is coming from the parents. I think we are kind of seeing this behavior in our gospel today. The disciples of Jesus are hiding. They are hiding for a couple of reasons. Firstly, they are afraid, they are afraid that they will be caught and killed as Jesus was. Secondly, they are hiding is because they are ashamed, embarrassed. They are ashamed that they watched their leader die on the cross. And none of them lifted a finger to stop it. They did nothing. At the hour of his trial and death, when Jesus needed them the most, they ditched him. And when Jesus finds these scared and ashamed disciples. Is he angry with them? Does he want to punish them for doing wrong and abandoning him? No. No. Jesus finds them and says Peace be with you. And this is the Divine Mercy that we celebrate today. Amidst all the wrong they had done, Jesus gives them peace. And that’s what he gives us too. The only thing that Jesus asks in return, is for us to offer that same forgiveness and love to those around us. Jesus through the Paschal Mystery gave us love, mercy, and forgiveness. Let us extend this to others.
Reflection by Fr. Macario Martinez, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections